Columbus, OH - The Buckeye State's number-one crop is feeling the heat from global warming. According to a new report from Environment Ohio, a two-degree Fahrenheit increase in temperatures could cost corn growers 50 million dollars a year.
Katy Kiefer, Environment Ohio field organizer, says a hotter field will mean lower yields for corn.
"Corn likes a little bit of a cooler temperature than a lot of other crops; I believe the ideal growing temperature is about 54 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, so with increased temperatures we see it hurting corn productivity."
The report finds that nationally the damage totals more than $1.4 billion a year; Ohio ranks eighth in the nation for the highest damage estimate.
Kiefer says a move to clean-energy power could rebuild the economy and help solve global warming, and that agriculture has a huge opportunity to be a part of building a clean-energy economy.
"Farmers can be involved in renewable energy production through wind turbines and solar panels on their properties, helping to produce environmentally-sustainable biomass, and implementing climate-friendly farming practices."
This spring, the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee will consider the American Clean Energy and Security Act, which would require the nation to get 25 percent of its electricity from renewable sources. Some say the standard could generate $13.5 billion in new income for farmers, ranchers and rural landowners. Opponents of the measure say it would mean higher energy prices.
The full report is available at www.environmentohio.org
Mary Kuhlman, Public News Service - OH
